Cat café and artwork area coming to Underground
The Frisky Whisker, which mixes the attract of a sound gallery, artwork area, and cat lounge in a celebration of creativity and feline companionship is coming to Underground Atlanta.
Inspired by listening bars throughout the globe and building upon the success of their former cat cafe in Greenville, S.C., The Organic Cat Café & Music Lounge, The Frisky Whisker goals to be a haven for each artwork lovers and cat lovers alike.
“The Whisker Lounge Cat Research and Therapy Center can convert anyone into a cat lover. We want to educate our patrons and community about cats and teach them how to interact with them in order to gain their trust,” mentioned co-owner and founder, Jennifer Bronzel. “My personal goal is to turn everyone into a cat lover and help find homes for adoptable cats from local rescue organizations.”
The area will function 24 rescue cats, and can permit patrons to unwind within the firm of their charming feline companions. The Frisky Whisker elevates this expertise by providing the companies of their resident cats to offer animal remedy for group members together with particular wants kids and the elderly.
— Derek Prall
City of Atlanta’s Moving Atlanta Forward infrastructure bonds acknowledged as ‘Deal of the Year’
The City of Atlanta not too long ago introduced that its Series 2022 Infrastructure Bonds, a part of the progressive Moving Atlanta Forward infrastructure package deal, has been honored because the Southeast “Deal of the Year” by The Bond Buyer.
This accolade acknowledges essentially the most excellent municipal finance transactions of the 12 months, celebrating the creativity, resourcefulness and affect these initiatives carry to enhancing infrastructure and high quality of life in municipalities throughout the nation.
“Integrating financial mechanisms with social objectives has been a guiding principle for our Administration, and we are incredibly proud to lead in this arena,” mentioned Mayor Andre Dickens.“Congratulations to CFO Balla and the Department of Finance for this accomplishment, and for keeping Atlanta on solid financial ground with the highest positive fund balance in our city’s history. And thank you to Atlanta voters for overwhelmingly approving the Moving Atlanta Forward infrastructure package to make smart investments in our shared future.”
This recognition extends past monetary prudence — it’s an acknowledgment of Atlanta’s broader dedication to societal welfare and sustainable growth. The issuance was additional strengthened by Moody’s Investors Service’s Aa1 score and Fitch Ratings’ AA+ affirmation, highlighting Atlanta’s sound fiscal administration and strategic coverage alignment.
— Derek Prall
East Point hosts tree-lighting ceremony with an look from Santa Claus
On Friday, Dec. 8, the City of East Point will host its annual tree-lighting ceremony at City Hall on East Point Street.
This family-friendly occasion could have stay music and performances, vacation snacks like sizzling cocoa, and an opportunity to have your image taken with Santa Claus.
— Allison Joyner
‘Marietta Pilgrimage’ Christmas home tour returns Dec. 1-3
The “Marietta Pilgrimage” Christmas tour of historic homes returns for its thirty seventh 12 months on Dec. 1 via 3.
Organized by Visit Marietta and the Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society, the occasion contains self-guided excursions of historic non-public homes within the space of Marietta Square, all embellished for Christmas. This 12 months’s installment contains 5 homes within the Cherokee Heights neighborhood. Several historic public buildings will likely be open for excursions as effectively.
The tour is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 2 and three. Tickets are $30 and available in person on the Marietta Welcome Center at 4 Depot St. and the William Root House at 80 N. Marietta Parkway. (Online advance ticket gross sales have already ended.) Tickets are usually not available on the tour homes.
For a listing of tour homes and different info, see the event website.
— John Ruch
City of Refuge publicizes upcoming courses for Tech Transformation Academy
In January, Westside Atlanta-based nonprofit City of Refuge is about to welcome its latest cohort of trainees as a part of its Tech Transformation Academy (T2 Academy), which affords fully-funded scholarships to people looking for to interrupt into the tech business. The subsequent cybersecurity and net growth courses will begin in January and February, respectively.
T2 Academy was launched in 2021 after the organization was awarded a $5.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to put money into expertise profession pathways. The program has already reached 60% of its grant objective to recruit and practice 280 people from the minority, unemployed and underemployed demographics as of August. Students in this system obtain coaching from instructors with Atlanta-based DigitalCrafts and the Carolina Cyber Center of Montreat College.
“When we kicked off the program in 2021, we hardly knew anyone in the corporate world, but today, we have recruiters from Atlanta’s biggest and most influential companies who want to work with us and source talent from our cohorts,” mentioned Ron Cofield, teacher, mentor, placement Professional for the Tech Transformation Academy. “Leaders at these companies have come in to speak, provide mock interviews and advise students, giving them the skills they need to succeed in tech.”
Beyond tech coaching, T2 Academy gives job placement help for people after graduating from this system. Upon completion and credentialing, graduates have the chance for job placement help as net builders, software program engineers, or cybersecurity analysts.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta Rotary Club elects future volunteer leaders
The Rotary Club of Atlanta voted for its subsequent slate of leaders at its luncheon assembly on Nov. 27.
The new identify within the line-up is Kathy Waller, retired chief monetary officer for the Coca-Cola Co. who now could be government director of the Atlanta Committee for Progress (the influential group of business and civic leaders that works with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to assist implement his administration’s agenda).
Waller will likely be president of the Rotary Club of Atlanta throughout the 2025/2026 12 months. She would be the first African American girl to guide the organization because it was based in 2013.
Waller will likely be succeeding Adrian Cronje, CEO of Balentine, an funding consultancy and fund administration agency. Cronje will turn out to be president of Atlanta Rotary on July 1, 2024, and he’ll serve in that position via June 2025. He will succeed John Yates, an lawyer with Morris, Manning & Martin, who’s the present president of Atlanta Rotary.
Other leaders who will serve in notable roles subsequent 12 months are Julia Houston, an government with Equifax (secretary); David Roemer with Ideas United (program chair); Sharon Gay with Dentons (membership chair); John Lucht, retired managing companion of Smith & Howard (treasurer); Beth Lowry of Holder Construction (membership service); Stephanie Stuckey of Stuckey’s (worldwide service); and Jennifer Dorian, CEO of WABE (group service). Dorian is presently serving as program chair.
— Maria Saporta
CAU selects new head soccer coach after no-win season
On Tuesday, Clark Atlanta University (CAU) introduced that they’ve chosen Teddy Keaton as the brand new head coach for the Panther soccer program.
Keaton beforehand served as the pinnacle coach and quarterback coach at Allen University, the place he had a 7-3 total document, this system’s finest in a number of years.
“We are confident that Coach Keaton’s leadership will take the Panthers to new heights and are excited for the future of our football program under his guidance,” mentioned Dr. George French, President of CAU.
Last season, the Panthers ended with a dismal 0-10 document.
— Allison Joyner
Little 5 Points Community Center to carry Holiday Open House
The Little 5 Points Community Center will maintain a “Holiday Open House” on Dec. 2 that includes native distributors, artists and performers.
The heart, positioned at 1083 Austin Ave. in Little Five Points, is home to many arts, cultural and community-service nonprofits. The open home will embody the sale of arts and crafts, caroling, open studios, and dance and theatrical performances.
The open home is scheduled for 11 a.m. to six p.m. For extra info, name 404-522-2926 or e mail [email protected].
— John Ruch
American Idol winner seems in SCAD vacation spectacular with two reveals in Atlanta and Savannah
The Savannah College of Art and Design’s (SCAD) Bee Sharps will host its annual vacation spectacular that includes American Idol winner and SCAD alum Candice Glover.
The SCAD Bee Sharps, the varsity’s premiere efficiency ensemble, will carry out on Dec. 8 on the SCAD Show Theatre in Midtown and Dec. 14 on the Lucas Theatre in Savannah.
Glover received the twelfth season of the fact competitors present and was a dramatic writing scholar whereas attending SCAD.
Guests could have the chance to take part in a sing-a-long of vacation classics, together with “Silent Night,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”
For extra info and tickets, go to the Savannah and Atlanta occasion pages.
— Allison Joyner
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta and the Atlanta Hawks announce jersey patch partnership
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta and the Atlanta Hawks at the moment introduced a multi-year partnership wherein the Y and its signature ‘Y’ brand will turn out to be the Official Jersey Patch Partner of the Atlanta Hawks.
The Hawks and the Y plan to collaborate on main group initiatives aimed toward bettering the well-being and well being of Atlantans with a concentrate on growing access to youth sports activities, particularly basketball.
“Everything the YMCA of Metro Atlanta does is grounded in meeting the unique needs of communities – and we can’t do it alone. We’re grateful to partner with the Atlanta Hawks. Together we can increase access and involvement and provide the opportunity for more people to discover their potential and thrive,” mentioned Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “We’re proud to partner with an organization that has shared values of impacting the lives of Atlantans through providing access to youth sports, and curating community programming.”
— Derek Prall
HouseATL unveils legislative agenda, new co-chairs
For the primary time because it was based in 2018, HouseATL will advocate for a legislative agenda throughout the 2024 session of the Georgia Legislature.
Elizabeth Appley, an lawyer and public coverage professional, introduced the agenda on the Nov. 29 HouseATL assembly on the Gathering Spot.
Top on the listing is defending the state’s low-income housing tax credit score. It will encourage the state to put money into reasonably priced housing and help home possession. It will search to reinforce and defend tenant rights. It additionally will advocate for property tax exemptions for reasonably priced rental housing. HouseATL will search regulatory reform, together with zoning reform that may permit for extra density.
Also, the KB Advisory Group introduced a revised study of housing affordability within the metro space. About 340,000 households are at 80 % or much less of the Area Median Income and are cost-burdened — spending greater than 30 % of the household earnings on housing.
“That’s 24 percent of all the households in the five-county area,” mentioned Geoff Koski, president of KB Advisory Group.
HouseATL additionally introduced its new management. Terri Lee, chief working officer of the Atlanta Housing Authority; and Alan Ferguson, president and CEO of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, will likely be serving as the brand new co-chairs for two-year phrases. They will succeed co-chairs Margaret Stagmeier of TriStar Real Estate and Janis Ware, government director of SUMMECH CDC.
— Maria Saporta
Doris Ok Wells Heritage Festival returns to DeKalb County Public Library
The DeKalb County Public Library not too long ago introduced its slate of December occasions for the 2023 Doris. Ok. Wells Heritage Festival. Spanning the months of December 2023 and January 2024, this two-month celebration brings an array of packages to the library.
“We invite everyone to join us in a two-month celebration of stories, traditions and shared experiences,” mentioned Alison Weissinger, director, DeKalb County Public Library. “Our aim is to foster a sense of community and appreciation for the rich heritage that makes DeKalb County so special.”
The greater than 20 packages will function storytelling, meals, crafts, informational workshops and extra. Click here for more information.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta buildings illuminated purple in honor of World Pancreatic Cancer Day
Many buildings making up the Atlanta skyline have been illuminated in a purple glow on Nov. 16 in observance of World Pancreatic Cancer Day and the efforts of the native non-profit organization, Purple Pansies.
Several distinguished buildings within the metropolis, together with King & Queen Buildings, Cumming Water Tower, Google Atlanta, JLL Tower, CBRE, Stream Realty Partners, Terminus 100, Terminus 200, NCR Building and Colony Square, will likely be bathed in purple gentle to honor the reminiscence of these affected by pancreatic most cancers and to boost consciousness for this important trigger.
“As we light up Atlanta in purple on Nov. 16, we stand united against pancreatic cancer, offering hope, support, and a beacon of light to all those affected by this devastating disease” mentioned Maria Fundora, Founder of Purple Pansies.
— Derek Prall
Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia earns NiceNonprofits designation for 2023
Leaders of Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia have introduced the organization earned a NiceNonprofits’ Top-Rated Nonprofits designation for 2023. The second-most trusted score seal after the Better Business Bureau, NiceNonprofits’ Top-Rated Nonprofits are endorsed by shoppers, volunteers, and their group.
“We are thrilled and humbled to be named to the 2023 GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Nonprofit list,” mentioned Steve Napier, government director of Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia. “The stories posted about us and the work we do makes us proud to serve our community.”
Founded in 1994, Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia, which serves Cherokee, Dawson, Forsyth and North Fulton counties, allows people to build energy, stability and self-reliance via shelter.
NiceNonprofits’ Top-Rated Nonprofits is a folks’s alternative award the place volunteers, donors, sponsors, owners, and followers are requested to share tales of inspiration, categorical their appreciation, and describe the affect of our organization on their lives and others.
— Derek Prall
RICE publicizes $100,000 grant to assist Black entrepreneurs
The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) introduced a $100,000 grant from Bank of America that can help RICE programming designed to help Black entrepreneurs, together with Big IDEAS.
Big IDEAS is RICE’s signature studying platform, serving entrepreneurs from start up via scale up. The studying platform guides every entrepreneur as they develop their motion plan for making a sustainable business — step-by-step, from ideation, via execution, to scale.
“We are immensely grateful for Bank of America’s continuous support,” mentioned Jay Bailey, CEO of RICE. “This grant will enable us to expand our impact and provide even more entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance they need to turn their visions into reality.”
Entrepreneurs enter on the stage acceptable for them and progress at their very own tempo. Along the way in which, they’re supported by a staff of material specialists and a college centered on making mastery and excellence the default. In addition to group studying classes, the training platform options distinctive hands-on experiences and holistic, community-driven growth.
— Derek Prall
Fifth Annual Out of the Kitchen occasion Raises greater than $400K for Horizons Atlanta scholarship packages
On Nov. 9 the fifth annual Out of the Kitchen charity gathered 240 attendees to expertise a meal to recollect and raised $413K for Horizons Atlanta’s mission of offering programming and educational help to college students all through metro Atlanta and Athens, Ga.
The occasion showcased the culinary abilities of 20 acclaimed cooks representing award-winning eating places in Atlanta, the southeast and Canada, treating visitors to a curated eating expertise and a chance to help a noble trigger for the group. It was hosted by The St. Regis Atlanta.
“Without committed community partners like The St. Regis Atlanta, and champions such as John and Mary Brock, who we honored at the Out of the Kitchen event, Horizons Atlanta could not continue to grow and impact Atlanta-area scholars who need and deserve extra academic support,” mentioned Meredith Johnson, government director of Horizons Atlanta. “We are proud to have partnered with St. Regis for this incredible event and are thankful for its assistance in further lifting our work.”
— Derek Prall
